Residents of rural desert communities suffer from the noise, dust, trespass, and destruction from illegal motorized off-highway recreation. The OHMVR Program sunsets on December 31, 2017. The need for reauthorization of this program is critical with important revisions now being proposed. Today, damage from OHVs is outpacing California’s ability to repair and monitor the impacts on our natural resources. California State Senator Ben Allen is sponsoring SB 249, a bill created to address the problem in three ways:

Fuel Tax Revisions – Did you know that every time you pump gas a portion of that goes to fund off-road recreation whether you participate or not? SBÂ 249 addresses this by ensuring that a portion of our fuel taxes go to support all forms of outdoor recreation, both motorized and unmotorized activities like hiking, kayaking, and camping.

Balanced, Accountable Management – SB 249 ensures a greater balance of viewpoints in California State Park OHV administration and clarifies the relationship between OHMVR decision-makers and the State Parks Director as part of a cohesive Department of Parks & Recreation.

The legislation is currently being considered in the State Senate and if it passes there then it will move to the State Assembly. COW will post updates as this process continues. At this time we urge you to contact your State Senator, early in the week of May 28th (best would be on Tuesday, May 30th after Memorial Day) and support this needed legislation.Here is a list of Senate contacts that we urge you to call to support passage of SB 249 there. In particular if you are resident of the East Mojave area represented by Sen. Jean Fuller – (R) 16th District contact her at (916) 651-4016 – email: link. If you are calling a Senator outside of your district here is a sample script you can use when making such calls.

Sign up for email alerts

Where Are ORVs Legal And What Are The Regulations?

NOTE: The ordinance pertaining to Off Highway Motor Vehicle Use, previously numbered 3793, is now Ordinance number 4103.

ORV use is only allowed on BLM lands that are marked as designated for such use. Details here. ORV use on private property only if you have the explicit permission of the owner.

This brochure was produced by the BLM, the Sheriff’s department and the police departments of Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley. It includes a map of legal ORV riding areas and designated routes in the Morongo Basin (all other areas are off-limits to ORVs), information on safe & responsible riding, riding restrictions, a summary of the SB County Ordinance and important phone numbers.